Boeing has successfully delivered the first P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian Navy at India Naval Station Rajali, India.
The delivery stems from a previous contract awarded to the company in January 2009 by the Indian Navy to deliver a total of eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Boeing Military Aircraft president Chris Chadwick said that the advanced aircraft will meet the unique maritime patrol requirements of the Indian Navy.
Based on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, the P-8I features advanced sensor and display technologies, as well as open system architecture and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.
In addition to protecting the vast coastline and territorial waters of India, the aircraft supports missions such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), intelligence, maritime patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Powered by two CFM56-7 engines supplied by CFM International, the patrol aircraft is armed with directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system and the electronic support measures (ESM) system to protect the aircraft from incoming infrared guided missiles.
Capable of flying at a maximum speed of 789kmph, the aircraft has a maximum range of 2,222km and can reach a maximum altitude of 12,496m while accommodating a crew of nine.
The Boeing-led team for the design and development of the P-8I aircraft includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.
India is expected to receive two more P-8I aircraft by the end of 2013 to replace its ageing fleet of Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprop aircraft.
Image: A Boeing-built P-8I aircraft lands at India Naval Station Rajali. Photo courtesy of Boeing.
